MP Kaguchia Freed on Bail After Court Appearance

The lawmaker faced an accusation of offensive conduct likely to disturb public peace following remarks he allegedly made in public. He appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresiah Nyangena but did not enter a plea as his legal team immediately raised objections to the entire process.

Prosecutors claim that on the first of August at Naromoru Shopping Centre in Kieni East within Nyeri County, the legislator used the Kikuyu language to issue words meant to spark disorder. According to the charge sheet, he warned residents that anyone supporting a figure referred to as Kasongo would face social isolation, denial of community visits during mourning, boycotts of marriage ceremonies, and instructions to seek medical care only in Sugoi if they fell sick. The defence argued that the charge lacked enough clear details and that the court lacked proper authority to proceed.

Lawyers for the parliamentarian further told the court that authorities had ignored earlier High Court directions requiring disclosure of his detention location, immediate access to counsel, and release on a lower cash bail of one hundred thousand shillings. They maintained that Kaguchia, as an officer of the court, posed no risk of absconding and noted that Nyandarua Senator John Methu stood ready to ensure his future attendance. Prosecutors countered that their office had not received one of the High Court orders and therefore could not be accused of contempt.

Magistrate Nyangena observed that while a higher court had previously ordered the MP’s release, the situation had changed once formal criminal charges were filed before her. She therefore set bond at one million shillings with an alternative cash bail of two hundred and fifty thousand shillings. The prosecution raised no objection to the release application once the defence presented its arguments on the matter.

The case is scheduled for mention the following day as both sides prepare to address the preliminary legal challenges. The episode has drawn attention to the boundaries of political speech and the procedures surrounding the arrest and charging of elected leaders. Kaguchia’s temporary freedom allows him to continue his parliamentary duties while the courts examine the validity of the accusations against him.